the village of avegno di flouri, on the maggia river above locarno, switzerland had houses in what they call the "commune" or close set arrangement. the roofs were covered with hewn granite tiles that have weathered long years. the tolling of the church bells enlivened my morning energy to hike farther up the ridges along the stations of the cross. the prayerful nature of the solitude was so peaceful and tranquil, yet brought back an appreciation for time together with others.
returning from europe leaves time to drift back to idyllic times on peaceful shores, thinking about all the places i haven't been..... and where i'd still like to go if possible. unfortuately, with a trip too short to rent a kayak, i had to just imagine gliding quietly along silent waters taking in the unimaginably beautiful surroundings. this church sitting on an island in lake bled, slovenia as seen from grad bled castle has to be one of the most serene communes with a higher power that created all the amazing sites we saw on our journey.
coming out of the dolomite mountains from cortina, italy we first caught site of lake garda, above riva del garda, and it absolutely took my breath away. like some norwegian fjord, tucked in between steep mountains diving into the water, the lake takes one back to the days of summer villas carved out of the cliffsides and accessible only by watercraft. i'm ready to retire to this stunningly beautiful place.
with only a few days left before leaving for switzerland i had to give my "rogue wave" to stripbuilder for repainting and repair. a season of rough use and hundreds of miles has taken it's toll. repainting the graphite bottom and weathered top, and fixing the cowling crack, reminds me it is time to also continue getting back in shape physically and mentally and set a new course for the upcoming year. but occasionally it is just time to "scream" and let go of old emotional dings and cracks.
"hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird, that cannot fly." -- langston hughes
